Bus or car window construction



22, 1 J. SCHUNK I BUS 0R CAR WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 .lNVETOR I] I3 .SEFH 5 ELI- LINK BY 0! KTTORNEY Filed June 9, 1944 1 ILLLJ.

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J. SCHUNK ans OR CARWINDOW CONSTRUCTION Oct. 22, 1946.

Filed June 9, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 EgOR dg s k V i W ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 22, 1946 BUS OR CAR WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Joseph Schunk, Union, N. J assignor to The National Lock Washer Company, Newark, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application June 9, 1944, Serial No. 539,533

The present invention relates to improvements in bus or car window construction, and more par- 6 Claims. (01. 189-73) ticularly to the vertical sash guide post piece within which the window sash is s'lidably supported at each of its vertical side edges. Certain window constructions ofthis type, such as disclosed for instance in my patent for Bus or car window construction, No. 2,299,954, dated January 14, 1942, include within the channel post a vertical rack member pressed into engagement with the vertical edge of the sash by means of bowed leaf springs mounted in the base of the channel? and the present invention pertains es pecially to a novel form of rack strip, and to its cooperating combination relation with the sash guide and the spring means carried thereby.

It is an object of theinvention to provide an improved rack strip and cooperating structure, which makes it possible to construct a relatively light-weight window having insulation and operating features as good as, if not better than, other window constructions not as light in weight. It is particularly proposed to provide a rack strip of relatively thin gauge material, and having an angular cross sectional shape adapted to impart substantial rigidity thereto.

It is further proposed to provide a rack strip having a flange at .one side adapted to be interlockingly confined in the side leg of the sash guide post piece, and whereby the rack strip is retained in assembledrelation with the post piece independently of thewindow sash, to the end that the rack strip will remain in place and in substantially parallel relation with the channel post when the Window sash is raised or removed. The rack strip is thus prevented from kicking out at the bottom into the window opening when the sash is raised. I

.It is a further object to provide a rack strip wherein the rack teeth are located on the back side of the rack strip, thus making it possible to provide a more compact sash guide post piece assembly, wherein the height of the side legs of the postpiece may be substantially reduced.

A further object is to provide a rack strip having stop means for positively positioning it against relative vertical displacement with respect to the pressure springs, and further to provide such stop means adapted to transfer the weight of the window sash when the sash bolt is resting on one of the rack teeth to the pressure spring assembly supporting the rack strip. The stop means is also adapted to transfer to the pressure spring assembly the impact of thesash lock bolt when the window'sash isslammed down, with the sash 'loc-k released before the window sash reaches its lower position. In addition to relieving the rack strip of the strain of the Weight or impact of the sash, the transfer of such weight or impact to the supporting spring assembly prevents the rack strip from digging into the sill of the window opening, thus preventing distortion of the rack strip and injury to the sill.

With the above and other objects in view, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, and this embodiment will be hereinafter more fully described with reference thereto, and .the invention will be finally pointed outin the claims.

.In the drawings- Fig. 1 isa fragmentary elevation of the inner side of awindow construction, according to an exemplary illustrated embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view,.taken along the line 22 of Fig. 1, the window sash being partially broken away in order to show the rack strip in elevation.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view similar to Fig. 2, wherein the window sash, the rack strip, and the removable outer leg or stop of the sash guide post piece are removed.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the rack strip.

Fig. 5 is afront. elevation of the removable side leg or stopofthe' post piece.

Fig.6 is ahorizontal sectional view, on an enlarged scale. taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view, also on. an enlarged scale, taken alongthe line 'l-'! of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary front elevation of the lower portion of the rack strip.

Fig. 91s a side elevation thereof.

Fig. 10 is a "horizontal sectional View, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line |DI.l of Fig. 9. I

Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional view showing amodified form of sash guide, formed of sheet metal.

Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional view of a modified form of rack strip having means for giving it additional rigidity.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, the window sash part of the bus or car window structure comprises the usual top rail all], bottom rail H, and a pair of side straps connecting the top and'bottom rails at each side, the'glass panel I l being seated at its edges in the top and bottom rails and the side straps. Only one of the side straps and the cooperating sash guide post piece assembly is shown. The side strap is of U-shape channel form in cross-section to receive the vertical edge of the glass, and is enclosed by a U-shaped crosssection facing strip i5 secured thereto by cementing orthe like, so that it forms a fixed part of the movable window sash adapted to be raised and lowered with it. The bottom rail H is provided at each end with a horizontally movable latch bolt it, normally projected by spring pressure, and adapted to be retracted through operation of the latch lever ll, its nose end projecting through a slot [8 in the facing strip [5 for engagement with the rack strip, as will presently more fully appear. The window opening comprises the usual sill l9 and side p t and a transverse top plate 2| provided upon the inner side of its lower marginal portion with a weathersealing strip 22 frictionally engaged with the upper sash rail ID in the closed position of the window sash.

To each of the side posts 28, only one of which is shown, there is secured the sash guide post piece assembly. This comprises a fixed inside stop member of generally L-shape in cross-section comprising a flange 23 constituting one leg of the sash guide channel, and a base 24 provided at its post engaging side with vertically extending foot ribs 25 and 26 at its inner and outer edges for seating engagement with the post 20, and with a vertically extending recess 2'! between these ribs in which is inserted a weather-sealing strip 28 of felt or the like. The fixed stop is secured to the post by means of a series of screws 29 engaged through the base and screwed into threaded bushings 30 secured in the post. The rib 26 at the outer edge of the fixed stop is adapted to removably receive the outer stop member SI of the sash guide channel, and for this purpose is provided with a vertically extending groove 32, for receiving the rearwardlyoflset longitudinal rib 33 provided at the foot or base edge of the removable stop and Witha vertical recess 34, for receiving the locking flange 35 thereof, this locking flange being provided at spaced points with cut out notches 36 for cooperation with retaining lugs provided upon the fixed stop member at spaced points. These notches permit the removable stop to be engaged with the grooved base of the fixed stop by engaging the luges in the notches, whereupon the removable stop is slidably moved vertically to bring the flange 35 into interlocking relation beneath the,

lugs, as will presently more fully appear.

The retaining lugs for the removable stop constitute parts of certain of the spring assemblies, namely, the intermediate and lower spring assemblies in the illustrated embodiment of the invention. This spring assembly comprises a bowed leaf spring 31, centrally apertured and engaged upon a headed stud 38, this stud also having engaged upon it beneath the spring a spacer washer 39 and the retaining lug 40, the assembly being secured by engaging the stud in an aperture 4| in the base or the stop and riveting over the end of the stud, as at 42. The retaining lug is in the form of a rectangular centrally apertured plate projecting at one edge over the locking flange receiving recess 34, the projecting portion being slightly deflected outwardly and yieldable for the purpose of havin the flange 35 of the removable stop. slid into wedging engagement beneath it. In the illustrated embodiment the intermediate spring is of full size, consisting of the usual double bow ends adapted for yielding engagement with the rack strip, as will presently more fully appear, while the lower spring has its upper bow end cut oil for the purpose of providing clearance for one of the bolt receiving notches of the rack strip, this arrangement being incidental to the particular window structure illustrated. It is pointed out that in a window structure of different proportions the bolt receiving notches of the rack strip may not interfere with the position of the spring, in which case the usual full spring may be employed.

The top spring assembly is utilized for the purpose cf securing to the upper end portion of the fixed stop projecting above the normally closed window sash an outside stop member constituting a fixed extension above the removable outside stop. This extension stop comprises a base plate portion 43 engaged upon the base 24 of the fixed stop beneath the spacer washer 39 of the upper spring assembly, and provided with an aperture 44 for receiving the stud 38. At the outer edge of the base plate there is provided a flange 45 having at its foot or base edge a projecting rib 45 seated in the groove 32 of the fixed stop, this flange constituting the outer leg of the sash guide channel at its upper portion. At the lower end of the flange 45 there is provided a downwardly projectingv outwardly offset apron portion 41 beneath which there is engaged in overlapping relation the reduced thickness upper end'portion 48 of the removable stop member, this arrangement providing a sealed connection between the removable stop and the extension which at the same time permits vertical sliding movement of the removable stop to engage or disengage it. In assembling the removable stop member it is laterally engaged with the groove 32 of the fixed stop member, being slid upwardly beneath the apron 41 so that the notches 3B of the locking flange 35 may be engaged by the projecting portions of the retaining lugs 4|. Thereupon it is slid downwardly to engage the sill IS, the portions of the flange 35 above each of the notches 36 being thus wedgingly engaged beneath the projecting portions of the retaining lugs, thus effectually securing it. In the normal closed position, as illustrated in "Figs. 1 and 2, the removable stop is secured against vertical displacement notch 53 in the outer edge of the fixed stop by means of a set screw 49 provided in the removable stop in such relation that one side of the periphery of its head projects over its inner edge, where it is adapted to engage within a through screwing the set screw inwardly to bring I the head into such engagement.

The rack strip 5|, which constitutes the principal feature of the invention, is assembled in the sash guide assembly between the springs 31 and the felt facing strip l5 of the window sash, the springs exerting lateral pressure upon the slidable window sash through the rack strip and the sash having inward lateral movement in the sash guide through lateral pressure applied to the sash to compress the springs. The rack strip has an angular cross-section to provide a projecting flange 52 at one edge, which is slidably engaged with the inner side of the side leg 23 of the stop,

and is confined in a vertically extending groove 53 formed by an inwardly extending flange 54 ing 15. This interlocking engagement of the flange 52 in the groove 53 prevents the rack strip from kicking out from the bottom into thewindow opening when the window sash is raised. At its other edge the rack stripis bent upon itself to provide a reinforcing bead 55, this bead together with the right angular cross-section of the strip imparting substantial rigidity to it. Hence, the strip may be constructed of relatively thin gauge material.

Near the lower end of the strip there is provided a rectangular opening 56 for receiving the projected sash lock bolt in thelowered position of the window sash, andwhich prevents raising of the window while the sash lock bolt is projected. At suitably spaced points along the length of the strip there are provided rack teeth, each consisting of a pocket member 51, bent to shape from a strip of metal and engaged in rectangular openings58 in the strip, its upper and lower end portions 59- -59 being secured to the inner side of the strip by welding or other suitable means. The position of the rack strip between the springs and the window sash, and the disposition of the rack teeth pocket members between the springs makes it possible to locate the rack teeth on the back or inner side of the strip, which results in making it possible .to reduce the lateral dimension of the side leg of the sash guide post piece, thus making for a more compact structure and a larger window opening with increased visibility.

Upon the back of the rack strip, at suitable locations to engage above one of the springs and below another, there are provided right angular shaped stop lugs 65 and 6!, secured by welding or the like, and which are adapted to hold the rack strip in a working position between any two springs of the sash guide post piece. The lower stop lug 6| prevents the rackstrip from raising when. the window sash is raised, and the upper stop lug transfers the weight of the window sash when the sash lock is resting on one of the rack teeth to the spring assembly supporting the rack strip. As the weight of the sash is not directly transferred to the sill by the rack strip as a support the rack strip is relieved of such weight and will therefore not be distorted thereby. Also the support of the upper stop lug 60 by the spring assembly transfers the impact of the sash lock bolt or bolts coming from the window sash when it is being slammed down, with the sash locks released before the window sash nears its lowered position; The transfer of the weight or impact to the supporting spring assembly also prevents the lower end of the rack strip from digging intothe sill of the window opening and hence eliminates distortion of the rack strip as well as damage to the sill.

The rack strip is positioned in the sash guide post piece by placing the end of the flange 52 in the opening of the groove 53, in the side leg 23 of the fixed stop, and then applying pressure against the spring until the rack strip snaps into place. The flange 52 is of such length that when engaged in the groove it will not become disengaged when the window sash is inserted in the window opening. In order to remove the rack strip, the sash is removed and thereupon the rack strip is pressed inwardly against the springs and given a twisting motion which may be conveniently accomplished with a screwdriver or the like used as a pry.

In Fig. 11 the rack strip is shown assembled in an alternative form of sash guide post piece, wherein the fixed stop and the removable stop are formed of sheet metal strips bent to shape.

The fixed stop comprises a base Gland 'a side leg 63 bent at a right angle thereto, and havin'gat its outer edge a. rearwardly bent :flange R64 in.-

wardly spaced therefrom to providea groove '65,

invention shown in Figs. 1 to 10. At its other side the base 52 is bent forwardly at a right angle and folded rearwardly upon itself toxprovide-a rib 66 upon which is engaged the removable stop. The removable stop consists of an outer portion 61 engaged upon the outer side of the rib 66 and an inner portion 58 bent rearwardly-therefrom in inwardly spaced relation to engage at the inner side of. the rib 66, thisportion 68 being provided at its inner edge with a locking flange 69 provided with notches l0, and adapted to be interlockingly engaged with the retaining lugs 40.

In Fig. 12 a modified form of rack strip is shown, wherein the juncture between the strip 5i and the flange 52 is formed by a rearwardly projecting bead formation H, and wherein the edge of the reinforcing bead 55 is provided with a rearwardly projecting rib formation [2. In this form of the rack strip the formations II and I2 constitute structural reinforcements which provide additional rigidity.

I have illustrated and described a preferred and satisfactory embodiment of the invention, but it will be obvious that changes may be made-therein, within the spirit and scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a window construction, a sash guide channel including inner and outer leg portions and a base portion, a rack strip member disposed in said guide channel outwardly of its base por tion, pressure spring means carried by said base portion and exerting outward pressure on said rack strip, and stop means carried by said rack strip disposed vertically above and directly engaged with the upper side of said spring means whereby said spring means receives vertical thrust on said rack strip. i

2. In a window construction, a sash guide channel including inner and outer leg portions and a base portion, a rack strip member disposed in said guide channel outwardly of its base portion, pressure spring means carried by said base portion and exerting outward pressure on said rack strip, and vertically spaced stop means carried by said rack strip respectively disposed vertically 55 above and below and directly engaged with upper and lower end portions of said spring means to retain said rack strip against vertical displacement. 5

3. In a window construction, a sash guide chan- 0 nel including a base portion, a fixed leg portion, and a removable leg portion normally laterally opposed to said fixed leg portion, a rack strip member disposed in said guide channel outwardly of its base portion, pressure spring means disposed 65 between said base portion and said rack strip member and exerting outward pressure on said rack strip member, said rack strip member being of right angular form in cross-section to provide a sash engaging portion normally at a right angle 70 to said leg portions, a forwardly facing flange portion at one edge disposed parallel and adjacent to the inner side of said fixed leg portion, and an open side laterally opposed to said flange portion and disposed adjacent the removable leg 75 portion, removal of said removable leg portion adapted to expose said Open side of said rack strip memberforthe lateral engagement or disengagement of a sash therewith, said fixed leg portion having rearwardly facing retaining means opposed to the forward edge of said flange portion of saidrack strip member.

4. In a window construction, a sash guide channel including a base portion, a fixed leg portion, and a removable leg portion normally laterally opposed to said fixed leg portion, a rack strip member disposed in said guide channel outwardly of its base portion, pressure spring means secured to said base portion for exerting outward pressure on said rack strip member, said rack strip member being of right angular form in crosssection to provide a sash engaging portion normally at a right angle to said leg portions and engaged at its rearward side by said pring means, a forwardly facing flange portion at one edge disposed parallel and adjacent to the inner side of said fixed leg portion, and an open side laterally opposed to said flange portion and disposed adjacent the removable leg portion, removal of said removable leg portion adapted to expose said open side of said rack strip member for the lateral engagement or disengagement of a sash therewith, said fixed leg portion having rearwardly facing retaining means opposed to the forward side of said flange portion of said strip member.

5. In a window construction, a sash guide channel including a base portion, a fixed leg portion, and a removable leg portion normally laterally opposed to said fixed leg portion, a rack strip member disposed in said guide channel outwardly of its base portion,.pressure spring means disposed between said base portion and said rack strip member and exerting outward pressure on said rack strip member, said rack strip member being of right angular form in cross-section to provide a sash engaging portion normally at a right angle to said leg portions, a forwardly facing flange portion at one edge disposed parallel and adjacent to th inner side of said fixed leg portion, and an open side laterally opposed to said flange portion and disposed adjacent the removable leg portion, removal of said removable leg portion adapted to expose said open side of said rack strip member for the lateral engagement or disengagement of a sash therewith, said fixed leg portion having a rearwardly facing groove engaged by said flange portion of said rack strip member.

6. In a window construction, a sash guide channel including a base portion, a fixed leg portion, and a removable leg portion normally laterally opposed to said fixed leg portion, a rack strip member disposed in said guide channel outwardly of its base portion, pressure spring means disposed between said base portion and said rack strip member and exerting outward pressure on said rack strip member, said rack strip member being of right angular form in cross-section to provide a sash engaging portion normally at a right angle to said leg portions, a forwardly facing flange portion at one edge disposed parallel and adjacent to the inner side of said fixed leg portion, and an open side laterally opposed to said flange portion and disposed adjacent the removable leg portion, removal of said removable leg portion adapted to expose said open side of said rack strip member for the lateral engagement or disengagement of a sash therewith, said fixed leg portion having rearwardly facing retaining means opposed to the forward side of said flange portion of said rack strip member, said rack strip member having at its edge adjacent its open side longitudinally extending stiffening means integrally formed therewith.

JOSEPH SCI-IUNK. 

